On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with over 400 passengers, was ambushed by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) near the Bolan Pass in Balochistan, Pakistan. The attackers detonated explosives on the tracks, derailing the train, and subsequently opened fire, taking passengers hostage.
The BLA, a separatist militant group seeking independence for the mineral-rich Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack. They alleged that among the hostages were military personnel and demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to execute hostages and destroy the train if their demands were not met.
In response, Pakistani security forces launched a rescue operation involving the army, air force, Frontier Corps, and the Special Services Group. The operation, conducted in challenging terrain, resulted in the rescue of all hostages. However, 21 passengers and four Frontier Corps personnel lost their lives during the hijacking, and 33 terrorists were neutralized.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. The United Nations Security Council denounced the hijacking, expressing deep sympathy to the victims’ families and the Pakistani government.
The BLA has a history of targeting Pakistani security forces and infrastructure, including Chinese workers involved in projects within Balochistan. The group has been known to make exaggerated claims, and in this instance, they alleged to have executed 214 hostages, though no evidence was provided.
The Pakistani military accused neighboring countries, specifically India and Afghanistan, of supporting the insurgents, claims which both nations have denied. The Foreign Office stated that communications related to the hijacking were traced back to Afghanistan, urging the Afghan government to prevent terrorists from using its soil for attacks against Pakistan.
The hijacking has raised concerns about the security of major infrastructure projects in Balochistan, including those led by China, such as the port of Gwadar and the Reko Diq gold and copper mines. The insurgency has intensified amid these investments, exacerbating local discontent over economic marginalization and political underrepresentation.
The incident has also sparked political discourse within Pakistan. The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the attack and lauding the timely intervention of the army.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho condemned the use of women and children as human shields during the hijacking, calling it a reprehensible act.
Survivors of the hijacking recounted the terrifying ordeal, with the train’s driver describing how militants first detonated an explosive under the train’s engine, causing the bogies to derail. Passengers were held at gunpoint, but the commandos risked their lives to rescue them, providing strength during the crisis.
The Pakistani government has announced compensation of Rupees. 5.2 million and jobs for the families of the attack victims, aiming to provide support and acknowledge the sacrifices made.
In the aftermath, funerals for the martyred security personnel were held with full military honors, underscoring the nation’s grief and resolve to combat terrorism.
The Jaffar Express hijacking underscores the persistent challenges Pakistan faces in ensuring security and stability in Balochistan. Addressing the underlying socio-economic and political grievances of the Baloch people is crucial to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Comprehensive development plans that ensure local communities benefit from resource exploitation, coupled with genuine political dialogue, are essential steps toward this goal.
The international community’s condemnation of the attack highlights the global consensus against terrorism. However, the complex geopolitical dynamics, including allegations of external support for insurgents, require careful navigation to prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, the tragic events surrounding the Jaffar Express hijacking highlight the complexities of the Balochistan conflict. While immediate security measures are necessary to protect civilians and infrastructure, long-term solutions must focus on addressing the root causes of insurgency.
This includes ensuring equitable resource distribution, political representation, and respect for human rights. The path to peace is fraught with challenges, but with sustained effort and genuine commitment, a brighter future for Balochistan is attainable.
